Michigan’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs at Western Michigan University provides support and services to the class of 2017 at five public schools in the southwest Michigan area. This school cohort is selected by the MI GEAR UP state office and includes: Benton Harbor High School, Eau Claire High School, Fennville High School, Harford High School and Kalamazoo Central High School.

The program's mission is to provide an opportunity for these students to discover first-hand the potential of a college education and to expose students to the information, knowledge and skills they need to complete high school and prepare themselves adequately for college entry and success.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the State of Michigan Workforce Development Agency and Western Michigan University.